There are many things for 10-year-old Matthew McCune to be excited about this time of year. But near the top of the list is a task that he dutifully carried out Tuesday night at Colchester Federated Church’s Christmas Eve service.

“I just like the joy and being able to help out,” Matthew said. “And lighting the candles.”

As worshippers settled into their pews, Matthew and his father, Michae,l used a wood and brass candle lighter and snuffer to illuminate the altar and aisles.

It’s a tradition almost as old as Colchester itself. In 1703, the First Church of Christ Congregational was established, five years after the town’s founding. The Main Street church where Tuesday’s observance was conducted has been a mainstay since 1949, when the Colchester Borough Baptist and First Congregational churches merged.

It’s affiliated with the United Church of Christ and the American Baptist Church.

As a reflection of the church’s roots in both ecclesiastical organizations, offerings on Tuesday were split between the retired ministers and missionaries funds of both, as well as the church’s ongoing ministry.

At the first of two Christmas Eve services Tuesday, the Rev. Cheryl Caronna handed much of the ceremony over to the church’s youngest members — youths who ranged in age from 6 to 18.

There was a 9 p.m. service as well.

“They are life and breath, and they are wonderful,” Caronna said. Traditional Yuletide songs such as “O Come All Ye Faithful” and “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” filled the sanctuary, while the candles — attached to holders adorned with handmade red bows — rippled.